Free And Cheap Shows In The Twin Cities

By Nicole Crosbie

Music, comedy and dancing don't have to cost much if you know the right places to go. Here are some cheap options for a night out on the town.

The Shout House

650 Hennepin Avenue
(Located in Block E)
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 337-6700
Hours: Tues to Thurs 7pm-2am; Fri to Sat 5pm-2am
Website & Reviews

Home to dueling pianos, the Shout House rock 'n roll piano bar attracts both 21+ college students and older adults. This high-energy sing-along bar features talented pianists and singers who take song requests from the audience (a little bit of cash usually ensures that your selected song with be played) and get the whole crowd to sing along. Wednesdays are 80's night from 8:00 pm-midnight and cover is free if you enter before 9:00 pm. There is also no cover charge on Tuesdays and Thursdays for all ages and Friday nights are free for college students with a valid ID.

Note: 21+ only

Fine Line Music Cafe

318 North 1st Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 338-8100
Website & Reviews

Local and national music acts perform at the Fine Line Music Café seven days a week. National acts are reasonably priced (tickets are often $15), but if you're looking for something that won't cost any money, check out their local music nights. Print a ticket from their website and get into a designated local music performance for free. Tickets are valid on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The café has an intimate feel, with round table seating for smaller shows.

Famous Dave's BBQ and Blues in Uptown

3001 Hennepin Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 822-9900
Website & Reviews

Every Monday Famous Dave's restaurant in Uptown offers no cover, free swing dancing lessons and free live bands. Swing dance lessons start at 7:15 pm and live music starts at 8:00 pm. There is a different music act each week and their full schedule can be found online. Dancers of all levels are welcome and if you don't have a partner, there are plenty of singles each week. If you aren't a dancer, enjoy the live music at no cost.

ComedyClubz

3001 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 870-1230
Website & Reviews

Shows at ComedySportz aren't scripted – each act is improvised and comedians take suggestions from the audience. All material is clean and appropriate for families and kids of all ages. Shows are typically one hour and 45 minutes of jokes, sketches and theatrics. Admission is $10 on Thursday nights ($8 with a valid student ID) and $12 on Friday and Saturday evenings. 10:30 pm shows are $2.00 off with a valid student ID.

Bunker's Music Bar & Grill

761 N. Washington Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 338-8188
Hours: Daily 10am-1am
Website & Reviews

If you like rock, funk R&B and blues music, Bunker's offers cheap concerts almost every night of the week. Concerts typically range from $3.00-$7.00 and usually feature local bands. Self-described as a "working-class, shot-and-beer joint," this venue has a laid back environment.
Note: 21+ only

The Cedar Cultural Center

416 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55454
(612) 338-2674
Hours: Daily 11am-5pm
Website & Reviews

The Cedar features folk, blues, jazz and indie rock concerts, often available for all ages. The venue is relatively small with folding chair or standing room for shows, and most musicians who play here are local. Ticket prices vary, with some shows costing as little as $10.00. The Cedar also offers films, dances and spoken word performance, but is best known for its music shows.